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Spain
China
The ocean route from Barcelona to Xiamen offers a reliable and efficient method for transporting fresh produce and frozen food over a distance of 10,165 kilometers. Utilizing this maritime path helps maintain optimal temperature controls, which is crucial for preserving the quality of chilled and refrigerated items throughout the journey. Additionally, the extensive shipping networks facilitate bulk shipments, reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. This route ensures that fresh and frozen goods arrive in excellent condition, ready for distribution in the Asian market.
Barcelona's port is equipped with state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and advanced logistics services, ensuring that fresh and frozen food is handled with the utmost care prior to departure. Similarly, Xiamen boasts a well-developed port infrastructure that includes specialized refrigeration units and efficient customs processes, streamlining the import of perishable goods. Both locations offer robust connectivity to inland distribution networks, allowing for swift movement of products to their final destinations. This infrastructure supports the seamless transportation of chilled and frozen food, meeting the demands of consumers in both regions.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with European Union export control regulations, including dual-use goods under EU Regulation (EU) 2021/821
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and CIQ requirements, including pre-arrival documentation.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Barcelona to Xiamen, expect significant delays due to North Atlantic winter storms (November-March), so add buffer days for transit and port calls. Secure flexible berthing windows and consider alternative ports to mitigate the risk of congestion, especially during the Golden Week (October 1-7; late-January to mid-February). Additionally, track weather forecasts closely and adjust schedules to avoid just-in-time arrivals during these critical periods.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is vital to control temperature and moisture. Our team suggests using Insulated cartons with ice packs for refrigerated food and dry ic...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Reduce door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. Our ...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is key. Our logistics team recommends Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled food and frozen...
Exporting fresh food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need sanitary certificates, temperature-control...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the...
Moving fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose limits on how much dry ice is allowed per package and per shipment, and labels must show the net weight of dry ice and UN1845 markings. Our compliance team recommends checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that adequate insulation was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated food should stay between 0–4°C, while many frozen goods products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always check requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your Reefer cargo is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix fresh food and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Shipping fresh and frozen food requires strict temperature control throughout the journey. This involves using refrigerated containers with proper insulation and monitoring systems to maintain appropriate temperatures for chilled and frozen products. Proper packing methods are essential to minimize temperature fluctuations during the ocean transit.
Fresh and frozen food shipments from Spain to China must comply with both EU and Chinese regulations, including obtaining necessary health and sanitary certificates. Import permits may also be required by Chinese customs, and all products must meet specific safety and quality standards set by Chinese authorities. Proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance at both ports.
DNA offers international freight forwarding by ocean, air, and land, along with customs brokerage, warehouse support, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE visibility platform.
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Users can download shipment-level data, invoices, event histories, and landed costs in Excel or PDF format, structured for finance audits, operations tracking, customer service updates, and performance analysis.
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